Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

The Minister referred to the €41 million in fines for which the country could be liable in a few years' time if we do not divert material from landfill. That is the stark reality. However, it is the responsibility of the Minister and his Department to find alternative ways of treating waste. I accept that work is being done on this but, as Senator Wilson stated, families who pay for their bins to be collected are being penalised. In some counties waste is not going to landfill. It is instead being sent on to be incinerated or to be subjected to some other form of treatment either within or outside the State.

The Bill was amended in the Dáil to make provision in respect of incineration. However, a similar provision was not made in respect of landfill. I agree with the Minister that a massive issue exists in respect of the amount of waste going to landfill. The existing position is not sustainable but penalising ordinary consumers at a time when they cannot afford to pay extra is not the way to proceed. The only way to deal with this issue is by providing alternative methods of treatment or dealing with the overall problem of waste. Consumers should not be penalised in respect of shortcomings within a Department. I accept that efforts are being made and that the officials and the Minister work hard. In light of all of the other charges households will be obliged to pay from January next, people will simply not be in a position to pay an increase that will double their weekly, monthly or annual waste charges.

Senator Wilson is correct to state that what is proposed will lead to an escalation in fly tipping. I have spoken to environmental groups in respect of this matter and they are of the same opinion. People will dump waste over the Border or on beaches or they will bury it in their back gardens. There will be a massive escalation in illegal dumping. I am concerned that we are going down the wrong road in respect of what is proposed. I accept from where the Minister is coming and I agree with the overall principle that we must divert material from landfill. However, what is proposed is not the right way to achieve this. What is being done will affect ordinary householders rather than deal with the matter on a national or macro level by developing solutions. Ultimately, operators in rural areas who may send the waste they collect to other counties or wherever will pass on the charges being imposed to consumers. It is only natural that they would do so and consumers will lose out as a result.

We fully appreciate the financial difficulties with which the State is trying to grapple. The Minister stated that the plastic bag levy is not a method for collecting revenue. Am I correct in stating that what is proposed here is a method for collecting revenue? If it is not, then can we engage in a debate on the real issue of waste management?